EMOttawa - By Cameron Leafloor, Courtney Price, Sam Wilson - October 13, 2022
How many times on shift do you see a patient that is on an anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent? The answer is probably almost always. The use of these agents and their complications are extremely common. And in particular cases, such intra-cerebral hemorrhage (~15-20%) (1), or unstable trauma patients, having an approach to reversal of these agents can be life-altering.
Two important questions for any bleeding patient on these agents:
- When should I reverse?
- What is the agents
This post will review indications for reversal in the emergency room patient and provide you with an up-to-date, evidence-informed approach to anticoagulation (Warfarin, DOACs) and antiplatelet reversal for your next shift.